Advertising and media executive
Level 3 · AdvancedSales, marketing and procurement 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
An advertising and media executive plans, buys, and manages paid advertising campaigns across channels such as digital, print, outdoor, television, and radio on behalf of clients or an employer. Apprentices learn how to research audiences, select appropriate media, negotiate rates, and evaluate campaign performance. This role can lead to media planner, account manager, or senior media executive positions within agencies or in-house teams.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Media planning principles and channel selection strategy
Audience research tools and data-led targeting methods
Digital advertising platforms including paid search and social media ads
Negotiating and buying media space and airtime
Campaign performance measurement and return on investment reporting
The advertising ecosystem including agencies, publishers, and trading desks
Creative briefing and working with creative teams effectively
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Research audience profiles and recommend appropriate media channels
Plan and book advertising space across digital and traditional media
Negotiate rates and added value with media owners and publishers
Set up and manage digital ad campaigns on platforms such as Google Ads
Monitor live campaigns and optimise performance against agreed KPIs
Compile post-campaign reports and present findings to clients
Support account managers in preparing media proposals and presentations
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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